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Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian biology teacher from Melbourne, has been captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine’s foreign legion in the Donbas region.
Jenkins is a Melbourne Grammar School alumnus and a former cricket coach at Toorak-Prahran Cricket Club. After graduating in 2010, he pursued biomedical sciences at Monash University. In 2015, he relocated to China, where he began lecturing at Tianjin College two years later. Jenkins is also a passionate vegan and anti-natalist, having frequently shared his beliefs on social media.
In 2022, Jenkins joined Ukraine’s International Legion, a unit that attracts foreign volunteers to support the country in its conflict with Russian forces. His decision surprised friends, who described him as an intelligent and well-liked individual but noted he had become more withdrawn in recent years.
Disturbing footage of Jenkins in Russian custody has surfaced online. In the video, he is shown bound, dressed in military fatigues, and being interrogated. His captors slapped him and aggressively demanded information about his presence in Ukraine. When asked about his nationality, Jenkins identified himself as Australian but appeared confused during the questioning.
Jenkins was accused of being a mercenary - a charge that could carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years under Russian law.
The footage, shared by a Russian military propagandist, has sparked ridicule from pro-Russian commentators online. Some mocked Jenkins’ capture, making light of his veganism and previous teaching career, while others suggested he could be used as leverage in prisoner exchange negotiations.
Simeon Boikov, who is known as the "Aussie Cossack," has celebrated Jenkins' capture. Boikov, who has taken refuge in the Russian consulate in Sydney to evade an arrest warrant in Australia, proposed a prisoner exchange to secure Jenkins' release. He volunteered himself as a candidate, saying, “Let’s do a deal, Albanese. Let’s get your Oscar Jenkins back.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the situation, calling the reports “concerning.” He confirmed that the Australian government is working through its embassy in Moscow and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to gather information and ensure Jenkins’ humane treatment. Albanese emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to make representations for all Australian citizens in such situations.
Jenkins’ capture has ignited widespread online discourse. Critics have flooded his old social media posts, including a video where he declared his intent to “force Chinese people to be vegan.” Comments mocked his transition “from vegan to the meat grinder,” while others expressed outrage at his involvement in the war.
Jenkins' friends, however, have painted a contrasting picture of him. Described as a talented athlete and a passionate cricket player, he was a valued member of his community before moving to China. Neil Gumley, president of Toorak-Prahran Cricket Club, called Jenkins “a typical cricket-loving Aussie” who would be welcomed on any team.
Jenkins is the first Australian fighter known to have been captured by Russian forces. Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, at least eight Australians have died while fighting in Ukraine.
Estimates suggest that around 30 Australians have joined Ukraine’s foreign legion.
